Jamielyn Nye
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This 7 layer dip has layers of salsa, guacamole, sour cream, beans, cheese, tomatoes and olives. The best party appetizer for game day or a holiday party.
Love appetizers? Some other crowd favorites are my crockpot buffalo chicken dip, pigs in a blanket and my 4-ingredient cheese ball.
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Favorite Party Appetizer
This seven layer dip is a delicious Mexican appetizer that’s so easy to put together! This easy recipe is the ultimate party appetizer.
If you want to take this dip up a level, you can make your own guacamole, salsa and homemade tortilla chips for dipping. And when I don’t feel like making layers I make easy taco dip instead.
What’s In 7 Layer Dip?
Find the fullprintable recipewith specific measurements below.
- Refried beans: The first layer is a mixture of beans, cream cheese and taco seasoning.
- Sour cream: All you need is plain sour cream for the second layer.
- Guacamole: You can make your own homemade guacamole or buy premade guac from the store.
- Salsa: Chunky salsa works best. Make sure to drain any liquid before adding.
- Cheese: Shredded Mexican, pepper jack, or cheddar cheese work great.
- Tomatoes: Dice the tomatoes and drain any juices. I use roma tomatoes.
- Olives: I love adding sliced black olives along with some chopped green onions. Olives are hit or miss for most people, so you could always leave them off if preferred. Or do half with, half without.
How to Make 7 Layer Dip
This recipe is SO easy to make and comes together super quickly. Layer the ingredients as follows below.
- Layer 1: Combine the refried beans, cream cheese and taco seasoning. Layer the refried bean mixture on the bottom.
- Layer 2: Next layer the sour cream over top.
- Layer 3: Scoop the guacamole on top. Then careful spread with a spatula.
- Layer 4: Drain the salsa if needed in a mesh strainer. Then add the salsa on top.
- Layer 5: Add some shredded cheese.
- Layer 6: Then add your favorite toppings such as tomatoes, olives and jalapenos,
- Layer 7: Finish the top with sliced green onions, cilantro and a squeeze of lime. I also love to sprinkle some flake sea salt over the top.
Tips + Variations
- Use thick salsa. I like the Trader Joe’s brand thick ‘n chunky. Make sure to pour out any extra liquid before adding so the dip doesn’t get runny.
- Add meat. You can add ground beef taco meat as an extra layer if preferred. Add it between the refried beans and sour cream layers.
- Seasoning. Add a Tablespoon or ranch seasoning mix to the sour cream layer for extra flavor.
- Tomatoes. Can substitute salsa layer with more chopped tomatoes if preferred. Or use pico de gallo for either of those two layers.
- Use less layers. For a few less layers, try making a 5 layer dip instead.
5 star review
“This was the best! Brought it to a huge super bowl potluck where there were 7 7-layer dips. Everyone told me this one was the best.”
-M
Serving Ideas
- Baking dish: This is my favorite method because the dip gets more spread out. You get more of the toppings in every bite! Use a 9×13″ baking dish.
- Trifle: Layer the dip in a trifle bowl for a fancier touch (check out the picture below the recipe). I also added a fun chalkboard label to the front of the dish.
- Individual cups: Make individual 7 layer dip cups by servings in plastic cups. This is a fun way to make sure everyone gets a bite and there’s no double dipping!
FAQs
Can I make 7 layer dip ahead of time?
This dip tastes best if made day of, so preparing a few hours in advance should be fine.
To save time, you can prepare and assemble the bean and sour cream layers the night before and then cover and refrigerate. Then add the remaining layers right before serving.
Is this dip served warm or cold?
This dip is traditionally served cold. This way the shredded lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole and sour cream stay fresh. Try crowd favorites jalapeno popper dip recipe or this bean dip if you want something warm!
Is 7 layer dip gluten-free?
Yes, this dip uses gluten-free ingredients, which makes it perfect for guests with any sensitivities. Just make sure to double check that the taco seasoning packet is free from gluten or make my homemade taco seasoning which is most definitely gluten-free!
How long does 7 layer dip last?
Although this 7 layer dip does taste best the day of preparing, any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just make sure to cover tightly.
It does tend to get a bit watery as time goes on, but you can easily drain it and it will still taste delicious!
More Delicious Party Dips
- 5-Layer Greek Dip
- Crockpot Queso Blanco
- Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip
- Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Cream Cheese and Chili Queso
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7 Layer Dip Recipe
5 from 163 votes
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Author: Jamielyn Nye
This 7 layer dip has layers of salsa, guacamole, sour cream, beans, cheese, tomatoes and olives. The best party appetizer for game day or a holiday party.
Prep Time: 20 minutes mins
Total Time: 20 minutes mins
Servings: 12
Video
Ingredients
- 31 ounce can refried beans
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened, optional)
- 3 Tablespoons taco seasoning (1 packet)
- 14 ounces sour cream , about 1 1/2 cups
- 16 ounces guacamole
- 1 ½ cups chunky mediumsalsa (can sub for more diced tomatoes)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 roma tomatoes (diced and drained of juices)
- 4 ounces sliced olives or jalapenos (1 can, drained)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- 1 bunch green onions (sliced thin, optional)
- ½ lime (optional)
- s&p to taste
For serving: Tortilla chips or Fritos
Instructions
In a small bowl, stir together beans, cream cheese (if desired) and taco seasoning. I like to microwave the cream cheese for about 20 seconds beforehand, to make sure it’s smooth and creamy.
Then spread the beans onto the bottom of your dish. You can use a 9×13" pan, trifle dish or serve in individual cups.Next spread on the sour cream and guacamole.
Next add the salsa or extra tomatoes on top of guacamole.Then add the cheese, tomatoes, olives, onions and cilantro. Squeeze a little lime juice over the top if desired. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top.
Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The dip is best to eatthe day that it is made. Serve with fresh tortilla chips or Fritos.
Notes
Variation:
- Alternatively you can mix the cream cheese and taco seasoning in with the sour cream.
- You could also add in a Tablespoon of extra taco seasoning or even ranch seasoning mix to the sour cream if you want to add more seasoning.
Salsa: Do not use a thin salsa, it will make the whole dip runny. If the salsa has liquid, pour it through a mesh strainer. Alternatively you can skip the salsa and add extra tomatoes or pico de gallo. .
Make ahead: If you are wanting to make ahead of time, I would do the bean and sour cream layer and refrigerate. Then add the guacamole, salsa and toppings right before the event, so it stays fresh.
Nutrition
Calories: 297kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 949mg | Potassium: 318mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1120IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 155mg | Iron: 1.4mg
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: Appetizers, Cinco De Mayo, Dips, Mexican, Reader Favorites, Super Bowl, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
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101 comments
- Sherri
Made this for a July 4th party and it was a hit!! It’s going to be my go-to now! Fresh pico was spot on!!
- Reply
- I Heart Naptime
That is great to hear! I am so glad that everyone loved your dip. Thanks for sharing!
- Reply
- Natasha
This is an awesome party appetizer. It was a huge hit with my family and friends! Another winning recipe from you!
- Reply
- Barbara T
My go-to recipe for parties! It’s always a crowd pleaser! SO easy to make too.
- Reply
- Jamielyn Nye
So glad you enjoyed the 7 layer dip!
- Reply
- April
This is one of my favorite dips! We love making it for movie night – so good!
- Reply
- cyntony
Very good for parties
- Reply
- Elena’s
Great recipe! Easy to make and delicious. Made it for friend’s party and everyone loved it.
- Reply
- Gen
I looove a good 7-layer dip. This one is fantastic! Bookmarking for parties this year.
- Reply
- Jamielyn Nye
Me too! One of our go-to party appetizers!
- Reply
- Jenna
My family loved this dip! I left out the olives because we don’t really like them and it was delicious. I’ll definitely be making this recipe again.
- Reply
- Natasha
This 7 layer dip was a huge hit! My whole family enjoyed this, we even made a spicy version and we loved it too!
- Reply
- Jamielyn Nye
Love adding pickled jalapeños if the crowd can handle spicy! Yum!
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